Israel-Lebanon ceasefire fragile as attacks continue amid Washington talks

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains tenuous as Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon, killing at least five people this week. At least two people were killed on Thursday in an Israeli drone strike near Nabatieh, according to Lebanon's National News Agency Source: Al Jazeera. The attacks come despite ongoing talks in Washington, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised progress toward a "commitment of intent" between Israel and Lebanon Source: Al Jazeera.

Ceasefire violations

Israeli forces have carried out multiple attacks since the ceasefire took effect. On Wednesday, two people were killed in a drone strike on a vehicle near Kfar Reman Source: Al Jazeera. The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah operatives, while Lebanon's health ministry identified the victims as civilians working with an Islamic Health Association bulldozer Source: BBC. Hezbollah condemned the shooting as a "blatant violation" Source: BBC.

Drone threat

Israel is scrambling to counter Hezbollah's growing use of small first-person-view drones, which have killed over a dozen Israeli troops Source: CNN. Ukraine, which faces similar tactics from Russia, has urged Israel to take the threat seriously Source: CNN.

Talks progress

Despite the violence, Israeli and Lebanese officials continue talks in Washington. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even under US pressure . Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two sides are making good progress and speaking directly for the first time in 30 years . Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has pledged to deploy the army after an Israeli withdrawal .